The Fish and Game Commission is in the process of developing criteria for when a new aquaculture lease is or is not found to be in the public interest, which is required under state law.

Public interest criteria will be applied when new lease applications are submitted — like the proposed lease by San Andreas Shellfish near the mouth of Tomales Bay — to ensure that decisions made throughout the state for new leases consider the overall impacts of the lease on the environment and community.

The development of criteria is critical to aid in public transparency and clear decision-making by the Fish and Game Commission concerning where new leases may be sited and consider the public’s strong interest in state waters for recreational, fishing, and other interests.

Throughout 2022, we participated in a number of public meetings on this topic, attended workshops, coordinated with partners and agency staff, and reviewed and commented on two rounds of draft criteria.

We are looking forward to the hopeful finalization of the criteria in the coming months. The revised draft criteria will be reviewed at the March 14th Fish and Game Commission Marine Resources Committee meeting.

Following the March meeting, the Fish and Game Commission will consider the final criteria for adoption at their April 2023 meeting.

We continue our advocacy for strong criteria that is protective of eelgrass and other habitats.

Learn More:

Fish and Wildlife Aquaculture

2023 Fish and Game Commission meetings

EAC’s 2022 Comments: March, June, November, December

Learn more:
Fish and Wildlife Aquaculture
2023 Fish and Game Commission meetings
EAC’s 2022 Comments: March, June, November, December